Blair County Commissioner Candidate Questionnaire Responses

Please provide your name, age, town where you live and current occupation.

Scott Barger: My name is Scott Barger and I am 49 years old. I live in Frankstown Township and manage our small family business which rents and maintains property throughout the county.

Laura Burke: Laura Burke, 42, Hollidaysburg, Blair County Commissioner

David Kessling: My wife Tracy and I live in Hollidaysburg. We’re currently empty nesters with the exception of our Great Dane Chester—whom we adopted from a wonderful rescue center in New Castle. I am a US Air Force veteran, but the bulk of my career was in law enforcement. After 35 years, I retired from a career in corrections, where I began as a corrections officer and was promoted to head of security for the entire DOC. It was the honor of a lifetime to serve

Mannny Nichols: Manny Nichols, 56, of Duncansville. I am a life-long resident of Blair County, not ‘part-time”.

• Owner & President of Clear Creek Company which is in its 35th year

• Acting Hollidaysburg Area School District School Board Director and current Chairman of the Transportation, Legislation and Alternative Funding Committees

• Prior Vice President of Board & life-long member and firefighter of Allegheny Township

• Expert witness in Environmental/Construction matters recognized by the Commonwealth of PA

Carol Taylor: Carol Taylor, age 65, resident of Altoona, occupation: Counselor

Amy Webster: Amy Webster; 66 years; Hollidaysburg, PA; currently an incumbent Republican Commissioner for Blair County (1st term, 4 years); currently serve on the Blair County Republican Committee. Previous experience as an attorney in Blair County (over 35 years), local business owner, and real estate broker.

Please describe your family.

Barger: I am married with four children and five step children. I am blessed to live in a multiple generation home where my children have daily interaction with my mother.

Burke: Married to Sean Burke, 4 children aged 12, 10, 7, and 4

Kessling: Our immediate family today consists of my wife and me, but I have an adult son. We’re pretty traditional in our beliefs and values. I’m a Christian first, which informs my outlook and values. We love the outdoors and enjoy the pace of life in Blair County. And I enjoy our freedoms, and the right to exercise our rights and liberties. This is our home.

Nichols: I am married to my wife, Karen, for 35 years. I have 3 Children and 8 Grandchildren

Taylor: My Dad was a machinist. He was a Navy veteran of WWII. My parents owned a small carbide tool company. I worked in the office, handling accounting functions since I was a teen.

I am a proud mom of two children, both married. My son is a Penn State grad and has a master’s from Drexel in Business. My daughter is a Penn State graduate with a BA in Art history. They are Pa residents. I am grandma to 5 beautiful grandchildren.

Webster: My family are the greatest blessings in this life! My husband, Steve Gilbert, just passed away on March 16. I have two wonderful children: my son is an attorney. My daughter is married, and is a police officer and insurance representative. I also have a grandchild! My father, Dallas Webster, was a long-time operator of his Mobil gas station and Dallas Webster Fine Cars in Hollidaysburg. My mother, Jacquelin Webster, was a 4th grade teacher in the Hollidaysburg school district at Hillcrest, Central, and Longer schools. My sister, Lori, and I both graduated from Hollidaysburg.

What in your background permits you to effectively represent this area?

Barger: I have worked in a small business in Central PA for many years. This gives me the practical experience of managing people and money. This has given me an appreciation of the challenges facing businesses throughout Blair County.

I was also a pastor for 15 years. This experience taught me the value of effective communication, personal integrity, and community involvement. It also helped develop my abilities to resolve conflict and solve complicated problems.

Burke: Prior to being elected in 2019, I practiced law and also worked as a law clerk in Blair County. The perspective of being a former county employee is helpful to me in understanding the issues facing our workforce. My background in law is invaluable in navigating the legal issues facing the county. The bulk of the work of the Commissioners is in approving contracts, paying bills, and taking care of the behind-the-scenes aspects that allow our departments to deliver services to the public. During my first term I learned how to work within our system to get things done.

Kessling: County government is complex, and state and federal governments seem to make it even more so.  In my roles and responsibilities, I managed budgets, led tactical teams, and supervised some 500 staff members. Add to these challenges the need to work in good faith with state and county labor unions. It’s a set of professional experiences that matches the job description of a county commissioner. You need working commissioners who have a reputation for professionalism and results.

Nichols: Being a business-owner of 35 years and having employed 40 people at one time has taught me the responsibilities of a balanced budget and making sure employees are taken care of. Being a sitting Hollidaysburg Area School District Board Director and overseeing the budget larger than the County ($65 million) and making the tough decisions through Covid to the woke agenda, I was always on the Taxpayers and Parents side. Running as a “Blue Collar Commissioner” I believe is a must, is to have someone who knows Environmental, Construction, etc. and is well versed in what going in various contracts.

Taylor: I practiced law for over 20 years, eventually starting my own practice. I started my career as a human services planner, initiating and obtaining funding and structure for the first EMS system in a multi county region. I have taught children in the area schools in this county. I have devoted the last four years as a counselor in a drug and alcohol rehabilitation residential program and now, in an outpatient setting.

Commissioners need to understand the needs of the community. How we invest in our community will be of vital importance to our future.

Webster: As a Republican Commissioner, I have a 100% conservative voting record. We passed the 2023 Blair County budget without a tax increase. We reduced the county budget by over $2 Million from over $60 Million down to $57.6 Million this year.

My background as a local attorney and business owner provide the legal and financial skills required to analyze government contracts and budgets. I work with my departments as Commissioner Liaison to allocate taxpayer funds responsibly and improve efficiency. We saved taxpayer dollars and improved operations. We obtained grants and supported programs to improve infrastructure in Blair County.

What are the biggest challenges facing the residents of this area?

Barger: Since my time as a talk radio host on WRTA I have been listening to the residents of Blair County. What they have been telling me is that they are concerned about excessive taxes, ineffective leadership in county government, and the condition of our prison. They have also been vocal about what they feel is a struggling healthcare system in the county and what the long term ramifications of this issue will be if it isn’t addressed soon.

Burke: The biggest challenges facing our residents are the lack of jobs that pay a living wage, poor housing stock, and the continued devastation of the opioid crisis.

Kessling: There isn’t a single problem, but a series of challenges that all relate. There’s a decline in community participation and volunteerism. From churches to volunteer fire companies to ambulance services, we see a growing demand but a shrinking number of helpers. There’s also a sense that—in some areas of county government—there’s no sense of purpose or mission. The “Taxpayer First Agenda”. I’ve outlined a commitment to curbing taxes and spending wherever possible, but it’s also aimed at giving the government a focus and direction. I’ve called it a fresh start for Blair County.

Nichols: The high rate of property taxes we are paying but especially seniors 65 years or older on fixed incomes. I will aggressively look for Alternative Funding to take the burden off of the property owners. The high rate of County employees leaving and unfilled positions because of lack of respect and low pay. We pay taxes for Law Enforcement, Fire, EMS and Highway – the basics. I will start there to make sure our residents get what they deserve.

Taylor: I would list four, but by no means is this all-inclusive.

1. Growth that engenders good paying and fulfilling employment for the residents.

2. Addressing the root cause of the substance abuse crisis, and the effect it is having on families.

3. Finding solutions to our lack of quality housing at all levels.

4. Connectivity- broadband access.

Webster: Americans face economic challenges. I support local business and economic growth by improving infrastructure and promoting pro-business programs.

I support the Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance (LERTA) program to promote economic growth. LERTA provides tax incentives for building in Blair County.

As Commissioner Liaison to the Bridges and Roads Departments, I focus on replacing and repairing bridges and roads in Blair County to support business growth.

I voted to allocate grant funds to expand broadband internet and cell phone service throughout Blair County.

I support economic growth through infrastructure improvements, local business incentives, and private/public partnerships.

What do you expect to accomplish in the upcoming term if you are elected?

Barger: In the next four years I expect to reduce expenses, increase transparency, establish a plan to fund the county pension, work alongside the courts to improve efficiency, and help find the most cost effective way to deal with a county prison that is in desperate need of repair.

Burke: I have four goals for the next term: 1) return Blair County Children Youth and Families to a healthy staffing level, 2) establish a county-wide entity to oversee and develop the trail network in Blair County, 3) build a new prison that is safer, more efficient, and adequate to our needs, and 4) work with stakeholders to create diversionary programs to keep people with mental health issues and substance use disorder out of the criminal justice system.

Kessling: At the end of my first term, I want people to say that I helped the county government get back on track. I want people to say he listened, but always made principled decisions—consulting his conscience and commonsense first. I’d also like people who work for the government to see that they have a responsibility—we all do—to make the services taxpayers want more efficient and cost-effective. I know we can do this. I’ve never held political office before, but I know how to lead during challenging circumstances.

Nichols: Alternative Funding revenue. With the high rate of property taxes, we cannot keep going the same way we have been going. Its too easy just to vote for increases. I have seen it many times being an Elected Official. Some of the Elected Officials need to get out of vacation mode and get to work finding solutions. We must also get Blair County’s house in order. With Employee turnover rate and unfilled positions at an all time high, County Employees need to get the respect and pay they deserve.

Taylor: There is an influx of funding to address mental health and substance abuse issues both from the federal government, the state and the settlement fund. I utilize my experience to see that the money is used wisely to attack the problem by addressing all the factors that gave rise to its exponential increase.

It is important that we adequately staff much needed services of the county, and I will work to see that occurs.

The prison’s inadequacies will be addressed.

Housing must be a focus for the area to grow. I will support programs to hold landlords accountable.

Webster: Complete the replacement and repair of 12 additional bridges and significant work on the county roads and bridges.

Support public safety by updating mental health facilities for a long-term solution. Update county prison facilities with separate areas to address mental health issues, drug addiction, and juveniles. Collaborate with our neighboring counties to share resources to reduce costs.

Attract and retain the best employees by offering benefits such as work from home and other flexible options where appropriate.

Continue to expand broadband internet and cell phone service in Blair County.

Continue to protect taxpayers by keeping the budget down.

What is the biggest problem facing this area right now?

Barger: An underfunded county pension, a prison that is in disrepair, and a slow, mismanaged court system are all symptoms of what I think is the biggest problem facing our county, namely, the lack of effective leadership. We need to elect commissioners who show up to work. Commissioners who are willing and able to make incredibly difficult decisions so Blair County can start moving in the right direction.

Burke: The biggest problem facing this area right now is poverty.

Kessling: The numbers tell the story. We’re not growing as we should. We have tough, resilient business people, great community banks, and an unmatched quality of life, but we’re still saying goodbye to so many young people—our kids and grandkids. Government can’t fix that problem, but we can create a partnership with people who build and hire to make this the best possible place to raise a family. The problems of high property taxes, population loss, and empty storefronts, can be solved if we convince the next generation to stay and build with us.

Nichols: The “Cultural Storm” that has created everything from Indoctrination of our children and grandchildren to the lack of people to fill the ever-growing need of Trade positions. I have been all throughout this County and people tell me the same couple of things: that the Woke Agenda is destroying our Country, the battle to keep the Flag and Religion in the classroom (A battle I have been fighting as a Board member) and the many business owners saying they just cannot find anyone to fill positions.

Taylor: Without a doubt, it is substance abuse. It affects families, business growth, strain on the police, increases in sex trafficking, domestic abuse, child abuse and neglect, violence, economic loss, productivity, homelessness, and most of all, our hope for a better tomorrow.

Webster: The biggest problem is creating jobs and promoting economic growth. I support local business growth by keeping taxes down and keeping government small. Commissioners should continue to work with private enterprise and our local economic development groups to create seed money loans to encourage new business and expand existing business. Commissioners use programs specifically tailored to help the farming community, and can advocate for preservation of farmland, growth of agricultural tourism, and businesses. The free market will drive the demand for new and creative business models and the entrepreneurs who build those businesses and employ Blair County residents.

How will you help to solve that problem?

Barger: Hard work and accessibility are key to being an effective commissioner. I will be the kind of commissioner who shows up to meetings, responds to the needs of department heads and listens to the concerns of the people who live and work in Blair County. I will restore faith in local government by being a forthright manager of county resources who tells the truth and makes the tough decisions.

Burke: I will help to alleviate poverty in Blair County by continuing to advocate for the County to pay its employees a living wage, continuing to advocate for an increase to the Pennsylvania and Federal minimum wages, pursuing data-driven, evidence-based practices for our human services programs, supporting workforce development programs, and expanding broadband to improve the ability of our citizens to take remote work jobs in the absence of local jobs that pay.

Kessling: At the center of my Taxpayer First Agenda is the development of a 10-year plan—a roadmap for how the government plans to get itself back on mission. It reviews the big expenses like outside contracts. It refocuses county departments around a mission of service to taxpayers. They’re the boss, and they’re demanding better value. If we want to retain and recruit, we need to get the government on task—spending wisely and more strategically.

Nichols: As a Commissioner, I will do everything in the power of the position to push for more people of any age to get trained for all of the different trades that are desperately looking for people. I will look hard for Grants, Incentives, etc. And as a sitting School Board Director, I know too well what issues are facing school districts. I will be a Commissioner who attends meetings and jumps in to help any way I can to win this fight and support School Board Directors. This is a battle we must all win.

Taylor: I have seen two factors that exist in a great majority of those who struggle with addiction.

1. A personal history of trauma.

2, A parent, guardian, or family member with a history of addiction to either alcohol or a substance.

In the schools, we are beginning to offer services to kids at risk. This is an important first step.

Secondly, the prison environment is not equipped to attend to mental health or substance abuse issues. Adequate resources that support recovery in the community need to be in place.

Webster: I will continue to support local business and keep taxes down to encourage entrepreneurship.

I plan to encourage private development of trails and recreational areas, reducing government involvement and expense. I continue to encourage private development of housing resources that would keep our children here andattract people who are relocating to quiet, affordable, rural areas.

I will continue our work on addressing drug addiction and mental health problems that plague our area and drain our resources. I plan to search for more grants and funds available to support our prison, 911 center, and mental health and addiction resources.

Why are you running?

Barger: I am running for commissioner because I want to make a real difference in the way our government operates. Like so many other Blair County residents, I have had frustrating interactions with our mismanaged local government which have eroded my faith in elected leaders. I intend to restore confidence in local government and I look forward to being part of a team of problem solvers who will tackle the critical issues facing Blair County.

Burke: I am running for re-election because I would like to build upon the successes of my first term, use what I learned during the past three years to better serve the county, and continue to provide good leadership to the county.

Kessling: I’m running because I believe we need to build back trust between “We the Taxpayers” and their county government. Taxpayers deserve an honest, efficient, trustworthy courthouse. I’m ready to serve and do my part if given that honor. 

Nichols: I am running for Commissioner for the same reason I ran for School Board: to give back to the community that has been so good to my family and me. I have a passion for fixing broker Government and making it not only work for the people, but making sure Government is transparent to the people.

This is not about money or position. This is a THANK YOU from me to all of you who made me so successful in this County. I will be honored to be your first “Blue Collar Commissioner”.

Taylor: I have 5 grandchildren. I am running for them- and yours. I am concerned about the future they face, and I believe we can do better for them. I had no aspirations of being a politician. I do believe in making a difference. I am running so that my words aren’t just words, but action. I am concerned about the lack of true leadership. I am about positive change. I am not about wasting your time by using tactics just to get elected. I will tell it like it is and try my best to live up to the standard.

Webster: I am running for re-election to use my experience to protect taxpayers, promote economic growth, and complete the projects I’ve started. I plan to expand economic opportunities to grow our area. I hope to preserve the good we have here in Blair County. I am a Christian with a strong work ethic. Our abilities are gifts from God, to share with our communities. I have the experience and skills required to serve Blair County. I have accomplished conservative goals during this term in office. I plan to complete the infrastructure projects and keep taxes down in a second term.